PGS / History
History
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Public Policy, Global Affairs, and Society) – PGS (formerly the Bachelor of Arts Program in Politics and Global Studies) is an international dual-degree undergraduate program offered by the Faculty of Political Science at Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with leading global partners, including Korea University, the University of Leeds (United Kingdom), and the University of Queensland (Australia). Designed to address the demands of an increasingly complex and interconnected world, PGS equips students with the intellectual depth, ethical grounding, and global perspective necessary to advance the public interest as informed leaders and change-makers.
PGS provides a rigorous, multidisciplinary education that integrates political science with global studies and related fields such as international relations, sociology, public policy, public management, anthropology, philosophy, economics, sustainability, and research methodologies. This broad academic foundation enables students to critically analyze global and local political, social, and governance challenges while developing analytical, research, and professional competencies applicable across diverse sectors.
A defining feature of PGS is its dual-degree structure, which combines academic study in Thailand and abroad. Students complete two years of study at Chulalongkorn University and two years at an overseas partner university, graduating with two bachelor’s degrees, one from each university. This structure immerses students in distinct academic cultures and intellectual traditions, fostering cross-cultural competence, adaptability, and a genuinely global learning experience.
A key element of the PGS design is its system of academic tracks, which allows students to tailor their educational pathway according to their academic interests, professional goals, and commitment to public service. Each track combines a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science awarded by Chulalongkorn University with a corresponding degree from a partner university, as follows:
partner
Korea University Track
Students earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Chulalongkorn University alongside either a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Korea University. This track is particularly strong in comparative politics, public administration, and East Asian governance, and is well suited for students interested in public sector leadership, policy analysis, and regional expertise within Asia.
partner
University of Leeds Track
Students earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Chulalongkorn University with one of the following degrees from the University of Leeds: (1) Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, (2) Bachelor of Science in Social Policy, Sociology and Crime, or (3) Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. This track offers strong interdisciplinary training in global politics, social policy, inequality, and social justice, and is designed for students seeking careers in public policy, social research, international advocacy, and evidence-based policy development.
partner
The University of Queensland Track
Students earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Chulalongkorn University and a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Queensland. This track emphasizes development, sustainability, and health and social policy from global and Asia-Pacific perspectives and is designed for students aiming for careers in international development, public policy, and global non-governmental organizations.
Through these tracks, PGS enables students to chart their own academic and professional pathways, combining a strong foundation in political science with specialized international training aligned with their interests and aspirations.
The curriculum is grounded in contemporary global relevance and encourages engagement with pressing issues such as sustainability, governance, inequality, development, and global conflict. Learning is enriched through experiential components, including research projects, senior theses, and interaction with internationally recognized scholars, alumni, policymakers, and practitioners from partner institutions and professional networks.
PGS is guided by three core values, Understanding, Vision, and Resolve, which underpin every aspect of the program. These principles shape the curriculum, pedagogy, and community ethos, fostering graduates who are intellectually curious, ethically grounded, resilient, and committed to public service.